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There’s always a dramatic story element whenever a person overcomes somebody he or she considers to be an idol in a competition, real life or fiction. Surely Filipina jazz idol KZ Tandingan must have felt this to be so when she beat out British sensation Jessie J on a Chinese reality singing competition which episode was broadcast Friday last week.

According to CNN Philippines, on the February 9 second-round knockout episode of “Singer 2018”, which pits famous celebrity singers from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong along with international performers, KZ Tandingan emerged supreme when her jazz-styled cover of Adele’s signature song “Rolling in the Deep” got her voted first place that week. Just behind her, stuck on second place for the second week in a row now, is Jessie J, who looks to be taking a stumble in the competition after coming in first for the first three weeks of the show.

The competition format for “Singer 2018” is interesting in that it starts with seven contestants and weekly elimination, but with the eliminated singer being replaced the following week by a newcomer entry. Jessie J had originally out-sung the other contestant since the January 12 premiere of “Singer 2018” until the 26th. On February 4 however, she was knocked of the top spot by replacement contestant Hua Chenyu, and had hoped to regain the ranking on the 9th, when KZ Tandingan made her contest debut replacing eliminated Taiwanese singer Sam Lee.

For Tandingan, it was a chance of a lifetime to interact with Jessie J, whom professes to be a solid fan of. Their first meeting, shown in the behind-the-scenes segments of “Singer 2018”, was a crowning moment of heartwarming when the 25-year-old Davaoeña (del Sur) singer-songwriter related that it was listening to Jessie’s songs in high school that encouraged her to keep singing at a time when she considered quitting due to changes caused by a polyp in her vocal chords. The ensuing hug between the two was pretty epic in proportions.

It certainly spurred them into giving their all last Friday. Jessie J sang “Ain’t Nobody” for her piece, but was visibly supportive when Tandingan took her turn on the stage and belted out “Rolling in the Deep”. The resulting studio audience votes kept Jessie from regaining her number 1 rank, but she was appreciative of her fan’s efforts. Tien Chong of Hong Kong was booted instead. The two are expected to return for more singing action Friday this week, February 16.

Both KZ Tandingan and Jessie J are involved in reality singing contests in their respective countries as well. KZ is the first winner of “X Factor Philippines” in 2012, while Jessie has served as coach and mentor for the UK and Australia editions of “The Voice”. “Singer 2018” is broadcast throughout China on Hunan Broadcasting.